Kanye West issues first statement since Wireless Festival controversy
Following widespread backlash after Kanye West was announced as the headliner of the Wireless Festival in the UK, the rapper has released his first public statement addressing the situation.
The festival first announced on March 30th that West is set to be its headline act for all three nights at Finsbury Park in London from July 10th to 12th, sparking criticism from major organisations and public figures.
Leading UK charity Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the festival for the decision, with a spokesperson saying, “Kanye West has dedicated years of his life to trying to incite his followers to hate Jews. He has more followers than there are Jews on Earth, so his incitement has a huge impact.”
In addition, Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised Wireless Festival for the announcement of the headline slot, commenting, “It is deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.”
As calls to boycott the festival mount, sources recently confirmed to Far Out that Rockstar Energy just became the third brand to pull out from sponsoring the festival after West was announced as the headline act.
They joined Pepsi and Diageo, the latter of whom said, “We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless festival.”
Responding to the rapidly intensifying situation, West released a statement addressed to “Those I’ve Hurt” in which he claimed that his current objective is to spread “unity, peace and love” through his performance at the Wireless Festival.
The statement read, “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace and love through my music.”
West concluded, “I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in London in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough. I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
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